Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has made history as the first active Premier League league player to attend a Pride event.
One of the biggest free Pride events in the UK, the Leeds event attracts more than 50,000 people each year and celebrates LGBTQ+ communities. This year marked the 17th anniversary of the Leeds event after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.
Today, LUFC defender Luke Ayling made history by becoming the first Premier League football player to attend a Pride event, with Leeds United proudly supporting it as premium sponsors. He was joined by Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and former Whites stars Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan.
Read more: For the latest updates on Leeds Pride 2022 follow our live coverage here
A number of members of the first team have also recorded messages of support for Marching Out Together, including captain Liam Cooper, who said: “I am proud to captain a club that not only supports Leeds Pride, but also works throughout the year with Marching Out Together, to make sure that everybody at Elland Road feels welcome.”
Whilst winger Daniel James, added: "Happy Leeds Pride to everyone at Marching Out Together and to all our fans in the LGBT community, from all of us here at Leeds United."
In a statement ahead of the event, Angus Kinnear the Leeds United CEO, said: "The Leeds United players and directors all send their best wishes to Marching Out Together and everyone associated with Leeds Pride. We do hope fans will come along and join us or watch the Parade pass through the city – it is a great opportunity to show our support to the LGBT+ community."
Over the past few years, multiple sports bodies have vowed to tackle homophobia and make football an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. This year, Jake Daniels was the first English professional footballer to come out publicly since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
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